Team news: Washington Commanders | Page 6

Per Nicki, J.D. McKissic was not at Commanders practice on Thursday, which makes him questionable for Week 11.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson

Though McKissic is almost purely a third-down back, his absence in Week 10 essentially meant Antonio Gibson (40) and Brian Robinson (43) split RB snaps right down the middle. Another week of that would be just fine in fantasy terms; both options would be RB2 material ahead of a matchup against the Texans' porous run defense.

The Chicago Bears are acquiring wide receiver Chase Claypool in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a source told ESPN's Field Yates on Tuesday.

Related players: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Miles Boykin, Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis, Velus Jones, Byron Pringle

The Bears are getting a second-round pick in return, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Claypool started the season slow, and his name immediately became mentioned as a trade candidate. But over the last four weeks he's posted lines of 5-50-0, 7-96-1, 5-41 and 4-45-0. He should slide right in as the team's WR2 behind Mooney in what is a run-first offense for the Bears. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, Pickett's value should increase as he and Johnson should see a few more targets. Boykin slides into the WR3 role for the Steelers.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera walked into the media room and immediately said: "We have no intention of moving Antonio Gibson." Said he was disappointed that it was reported they were taking calls. Added, they like their running back room.

Related Players: Brian Robinson, J.D. McKissic

Of course, this could be all coach speak, but we won't know for sure until the trade deadline comes and passes. Gibson could be a great asset to a number of teams, and clearing the way for a Brian Robinson/J.D. McKissic pairing could be incredibly valuable in fantasy. As it stands, Gibson and Robinson could be thought of Flex plays in Week 9 against the Colts.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson will start and be the team’s lead back tonight against the Bears. Robinson made his NFL debut Sunday, logging 18 snaps. He’ll see more action against Chicago after proving he’s back from two gunshot wounds in August.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic

In limited Week 5 action, Robinson out-carried teammate Antonio Gibson 9-to-3 but wasn't involved in the passing game at all. This backfield is now a mess for fantasy purposes, but this is an incredible turnaround for the rookie. All three backfield options can be under consideration for your Flex position but none of them should give you great confidence.

Washington’s game status report for TNF vs Bears:

OUT
WR Jahan Dotson (hamstring)
S Percy Butler (quad)
RT Sam Cosmi (thumb)
TE Logan Thomas (calf)
RB Jonathan Williams (knee)
CB William Jackson (back)

Thomas is dealing with a calf injury and Dotson will miss another game with a hamstring injury. Cam Sims and Dyami Brown are next up, and it was Brown who caught two TDs in Week 5. Given Carson Wentz's up and down play, neither are great options. Curtis Samuel continues to lead the way for the Commanders in the receiving game. John Bates will take over at TE.

With this team there are so many variables, including how often it gets down in games, forcing it to rely more on the pass.

Related players: Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic

The story said the Commanders want Robinson to carry the ball, but we just haven't seen enough to know if he'll be the top fantasy option in the backfield. The offensive line is not great, so it will depend how the flow of the game is going. The blurb added Gibson could get in the range of 10-12 touches a game and be the dynamic back with McKissic the third down option. It's certainly a crowded backfield right now, and it probably needs some time to sort out for fantasy owners.

The Commanders activated RB Brian Robinson Jr. from the non-football injury list Saturday, making him eligible to play Sunday against the Titans.

This is an incredible comeback from Robinson, as this comes just six weeks after Robinson was shot twice in his right leg. Per ESPN’s John Keim, it’s unclear how much Robinson will actually play, but he was able to practice this week and the fact that he is able to be back on the field is a great sign. At least for this week, Washington will likely roll mainly with Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic against the Titans.

Keenan Allen won’t practice today, per Brandon Staley.

Related players: Mike Williams, Gerald Everett, Austin Ekeler

He’s day to day with the hamstring injury. The tweet went on to say it's unclear right now if he will be back at practice this week, and his status for Week 5 is obviously up in the air. With Allen out last week, it was Williams, Everett and Ekeler who stepped up in the passing game. Everett and Ekeler had TD catches and Williams had a line of 7-120-0.

Washington Commanders announced that running back Brian Robinson has been designated to return to practice this week.

Related players: Antonio Gibson

Reports say Robinson will practice today and the team has 21 days to activate him. Other reports say that could happen sooner than later. With Gibson's snaps seemingly already on the decrease, the return of Robinson likely won't help that situation. Robinson was expected to be a big part of the running game before getting shot before the season. He should be picked up if he's on your wire.